Sto. Tomas said she had asked President Arroyo for permission to leave about two weeks ago. She was initially surprised by Defensor’s announcement, expecting Mrs. Arroyo’s decision to come in two more weeks.
"I wrote a memorandum to the President asking for permission to leave, putting in a short list of 10 people that I am recommending to take my place at the Department of Labor and Employment," Sto. Tomas told reporters in a separate interview.
On her list were four of the DOLE’s undersecretaries, Nitoy Roque of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, government mass media group head Cerge Remonde, Court of Appeals Justice Arturo Brion, presidential adviser on job creation Arthur Yap, former civil service deputy commissioner Mon Erinieta and former defense secretary Orlando Mercado.
"As early as 2004 I had already informed the President of my intention to resign to give her a free hand in organizing her Cabinet, but she told me to stay, so I stayed," Sto. Tomas said.
Then her planned resignation was further delayed by the mass resignation of 10 Cabinet officials and advisers in July 2005, who quit following allegations that Mrs. Arroyo cheated in the 2004 election.
Sto. Tomas said she put off her resignation to avoid speculation that her resignation was related to the vote-rigging accusations that continue to hound Mrs. Arroyo.
"The President is really impressed with her and we saw her resolve. She did not abandon the President even at the time her ratings were at her lowest. So there is really no problem," Defensor said.
"We just need some phasing and to discuss the transition at the DOLE. I’m sure this is coming soon. In one to two weeks we will have a new DOLE secretary," he said.
Defensor did not say where Sto. Tomas will be transferred.
Sto. Tomas is one of Mrs. Arroyo’s longest serving Cabinet members. She was appointed labor secretary on Feb. 1, 2001, shortly after Mrs. Arroyo replaced Joseph Estrada, who was ousted by a military-backed popular uprising over allegations of rampant corruption.
"I really think she has been a great labor secretary," said Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye. "She is very capable and we had the lowest number of labor strikes during her time. Our overseas Filipino workers are also very well taken care of."
Sto. Tomas said she wants to write a book and take up Pilates, an exercise program.
"I want to be able to breathe a little, relax a little. I am looking forward to having some rest. It is not really stressful but we have some issues that come up on a year-round basis," she said, adding that she has been getting ill due to the demands of her job.
There has been speculation that Sto. Tomas would be given the top post at the Development Bank of the Philippines.
"It is welcome news but it has not been personally offered to me as of this time," Sto. Tomas said.